Pretoria High School for Girls hair policy wrong

Pretoria –Gauteng Education MEC Phanyaza Lesufi says black pupils at Pretoria High School for Girls were victims of racism and the school’s hair policy was enforced without sensitivity.

The MEC said the dignity of black pupils was violated on several occasions at the school. MEC Lesufi released the much-awaited report into the school following events earlier this year when black girls were apparently instructed to chemically straighten their hair.

Subsequently, MEC Lesufi suspended the school’s code of conduct relating to hair and instituted an investigation into problems at the school.

The report’s recommendations include that action be taken against the teachers responsible and that the school’s code of conduct be reviewed. The school should implement diversity training and cultural awareness programmes.

MEC Lesufi apologised to those affected by the traumatic and humiliating experience of racial abuse at the school.

The department will work with the school to rebuild a culture of trust and mutual respect among teachers, parents, and pupils, MEC Lesufi said. –SAnews.gov.za

My ethos is espoused in the words of Nelson Mandela: “I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”